Article August 1, 1925 Issue

"Need of these things"

FAITH HOLMES HYERS

How many times the Master's words, "Your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things," have assured us that God provides for our needs,—for our daily needs. Christian Scientists have proved countless times that in the measure of their seeking first "the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (right thinking and right acting) they find the substance of thought which is made manifest in the supply of their every need. They are confident of divine Love's bountiful ability and willingness to care for His children when they turn to Him in childlike faith and obedience.

But there is another side to the shield of need. One face of the shield may bear the assurance of bountiful supply and harmonious progress; but the other side must carry the insignia of watchfulness, alertness, and, so long as "the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak," discipline. The experienced worker is aware that ease in matter, prosperity, and popularity are often less conducive to spiritual health than self-denial and trials bravely overcome. The watchful Christian Scientist will not relax his watchfulness in time of national or personal prosperity; rather will he redouble his efforts to "keep himself unspotted from the world," to come out from temptations of bodily ease and worldly pleasure, and be separate,—apart.

Jesus did not call his disciples to follow him for the loaves and fishes, but he bade them take up the cross and drink of his cup. Mrs. Eddy, who founded and organized the Christian Science movement in the face of untold difficulties and obstacles, writes in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 39), "We must have trials and self-denials, as well as joys and victories, until all error is destroyed." We may well rejoice for every victory over error, for every proof that the understanding of God's love for man is bringing us health, harmonious human relationships, successful business enterprise, peace, and power. But when problems are presented to us which do not seem to yield instantly to a solution; when we are aroused from a lethargic satisfaction in past achievement by the pricks of pain or material need, then, too, we may rejoice. For, as our beloved Leader tells us (ibid., p. 66), "Trials are proofs of God's care."

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